"I personally don't think it's likely to be a gang conflict."

The deputy chief said, "I agree with David.

Gang conflicts often manifest in shootings, and killing in such a brutal manner would only draw the police's attention, which is not in their favor.

Looking at the method of the murder, it seems more like a revenge killing."

"It's just that we still haven't figured out the suspect's motive for killing," the deputy chief, combing his white hair with a comb, continued,

"I think there are two avenues to explore in order to uncover the suspect's motives.

The first is to get Petrov to talk. He was in close contact with the suspect and must know some important clues.

He won't tell the police, but he'll definitely talk to his gang.

We can keep an eye on the gang that Petrov is part of; they're likely to make a move soon.

The second angle is to investigate the commonalities between Petrov and the female victim to see whom they angered."

After considering the suggestions, Luke nodded and outlined a plan, "David, you'll be responsible for watching the gang.

Once Petrov contacts his gang, it's very likely they will make their next move.

If Petrov isn't willing to talk, we'll just watch what he and his gang do.

Actions speak louder than words."

David nodded, "Leave it to me."

Luke continued, "Additionally, there's the identity of the female victim. Although we know what she looks like, we still don't know her exact identity. I think Petrov and his gang should know the real identity of the female victim.

Is there a way to find that out?"

Thinking for a moment, David said, "The Furry Bear Gang are tough nuts to crack; it's hard to make them betray their gang's interests.

Moreover, from what I know about the Furry Bear Gang, the underage female victim was likely smuggled from Eastern Europe, without status in America, and without friends or family.

The only ones who might know her real identity, apart from gang members, are probably the trafficked girls brought here with her.

But these trafficked girls are under the gang's control and just as scared to talk."

Luke suggested, "What if we promise them protection?"

David replied helplessly, "Actually, what they are truly worried about might not be their own safety. America is so vast, they could run anywhere—New York, Las Vegas, Hawaii—and the Furry Bear Gang would have a hard time finding them.

But their families are still in Eastern Europe, unable to run, unable to hide.

If they harm the Furry Bear Gang's interests, it's not just them who will be punished but potentially their families as well. That's the real way the gang keeps control of them.

Therefore, we usually don't approach these trafficked girls directly; it's hard to get valuable information from them,

and it might even cause them trouble."

Jackson said, "If they're so pitiful, why not just take down the gang?"

David laughed, "There are so many gangs in America; it's much more complicated than you think. We can suppress them, no gang dares to mess with the LAPD.

But if we were to eradicate them, that would be a whole different story. The existing rules and order would be disrupted, and everyone of them is armed...

So, we can only strike them in a targeted way.

Even among those trafficked by the Furry Bear Gang, not everyone is coerced; some are deceived to come here, some even come willingly."

After hearing David's explanation, Luke gained a deeper understanding of the Furry Bear Gang. David was then handed the task of investigating the gang.

To investigate the commonalities between the two victims, Luke instructed, "Marcus, Jackson, you two deal with the surveillance around Petrov's house to see if there are any suspicious individuals.

Raymond, Jenny, you'll be responsible for comparing the communication records of the two victims to see if there's anyone in common.

Pay special attention to the last person who contacted the female victim on the night of her murder."

With the tasks assigned, the team dispersed to carry out their separate duties.

Luke called David into his office and got straight to the point, "I want to talk to the head of the Furry Bear Gang. Do you think it's necessary?"

David looked around the familiar yet strange office and said, "If he's willing to assist with the investigation, it would certainly be helpful, but from what I know about the Furry Bear Gang, it's very unlikely."

"What's your plan then?" Luke asked.

David said, "I'll contact the boss of the Furry Bear Gang. If he is willing to assist with the investigation, that would be great.

If not, I'll keep a close eye on their movements in secret.

Don't get your hopes up."

"OK, let's do it your way," Luke agreed.

After David left, Luke went to report the situation to Chief Reid.

After listening to the report, Reid didn't say much and let Luke go.

Based on Reid's past habits, he would usually urge a speedy resolution, but since Luke had just taken office, Reid refrained from saying anything to avoid overwhelming him.

Luke returned to his office and compiled all the clues, analyzing the entire case again; something about the two incidents felt off to him.

Why had the suspect, capable of killing the female victim, not done the same to Petrov?

Was Petrov's refusal to share clues about the suspect solely because he was worried about revealing the gang's secrets?

What exactly did the suspect get from Petrov?

Taking a different angle, if the suspect hadn't intended to kill in the first place,

could the female victim's death have been an accident?

Luke compared the case files of the two incidents; Petrov had been attacked in his own home and the suspect's methods had been professional, leaving behind no biological evidence.

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